In today’s world recycling is such an important issue. In every home we have a steady stream of various materials such as cardboard, paper, newsprint, plastic, bottles and cans.

For some it is hard to keep up and the recycle bin can quickly become a big jumbled mess and make recycling a big chore that it just doesn’t need to be.

I know in my building when I go to the downstairs bins where we deposit this stuff I find myself disappointed in some of my neighbors as I find the bins all mixed up with the wrong items. I find paper in the containers bin, cardboard in the newsprint bin and sometimes plastics in with the paper.

I guess it is a hassle to stand down there and separate the items properly and so they just get tossed in any which bin is closest and it seems to me a bit of a shame.

Well to help solve this dilemma and make recycling easy and convenient try setting up a recycling centre in your home to properly sort materials quickly and make recycling a breeze.

What you’ll need:

* Space for it to go. (Decide where and take some measurements so you know what can fit there.)

* 3-5 wide, interlocking bins with open faces and tops to make sorting easy.

* Labels, or even better metal label holders which can be screwed to the front of each bin.

* A dolly, wide enough to hold the bins stacked on top. (Use utility drawer latches to secure the bottom bin to the dolly so it won’t slide off when moved.)

Now the whole bin can be kept in the garage or near the entrance, where it can easily be rolled out to the curb or down to the recycle room of your condo with minimal effort.

Keep in mind for condo living large wheels on dolly serve better to go over thresholds and elevator door cracks.

Need help organizing? Michelle serves the Carleton Place, Lanark County and Ottawa areas.